Starting Tuesday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer issue paper checks for benefit payments, putting more than 15,000 Pennsylvanians without digital access, and people with disabilities who rely on traditional banking, in the crosshairs in the transition.

The SSA made the announcement on July 14 as part of a government-wide initiative to modernize payment systems and enhance service delivery. By moving to electronic payments exclusively, it aims to improve efficiency, security, and ensure beneficiaries receive their monthly benefits promptly.

According to the SSA, more than 390,000 people across America were still receiving paper checks in September, down from 456,000 in March. This is less than 1 percent of all Social Security beneficiaries. Included in that total are 15,387 recipients in the Commonwealth.

“This will be devastating for around 400,000 of the most disadvantaged Americans who receive Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income),” says Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works. “They are the only ones who currently have permission to receive paper checks. They were given that permission because they have no other option.

“They lack the money to open bank accounts, maintain minimum balances, and pay bank fees. They may not have access to the internet. They may lack the mental ability to navigate the world in any way other than getting a paper check and immediately cashing it to pay for their most basic needs, including food and shelter.”

She criticized the Administration for not planning for the change with those responsible for carrying it out and externally with those affected by it.

“Even Social Security’s own workforce has gotten very little information about how to manage the end of paper checks,” she said. “The Administration is essentially asking everyone to trust that the change will be smooth and without hardship. Exacerbating the issue, the paper checks are scheduled to abruptly end just as the country is on the brink of a government shutdown and the Trump administration threatens to once again fire large numbers of federal workers.”

The SSA recommends people who currently receive paper checks to utilize one of two convenient options to receive their Social Security payments electronically:

• Direct Deposit: Beneficiaries should enroll in direct deposit with their financial institution. Payments can be deposited directly into your checking or savings account.
• Direct Express® Card: For people without a bank account, the Direct Express card is a prepaid debit card designed specifically for federal benefit payments.

Temporary checks are no longer available for initial claims and anyone seeking an exemption must file a waiver with the U.S. Treasury by calling 1-877-874-6347. If you have no other way to receive payments, the SSA will continue to issue paper checks. There are no plans to pause any payments starting October 1.